SCOTCH HILL ACRES

SCOTCH HILL ACRES

HOUSE RULES

Please ensure every guest in the party is familiar with our house rules and house manual instructions.

  • Smoking and/or vaping is not permitted in the house.
  • Parties or unauthorized guests above the stated occupancy of the property are not allowed.
  • Be respectful to our neighbors and the community and keep the noise to a minimum.
  • No fires or coals are allowed on the decks, balconies, or porches.
  • The use of fireworks is not permitted.
  • Illegal substances are not allowed on the premises.
  • Do not rearrange the furniture or décor.
  • Refrain from activities that may damage the condition of the property for future guests or which result in excessive maintenance or cleaning.
  • The property is not childproofed, children must always be monitored by responsible adults.
  • Please exercise caution when enjoying the house amenities by following the posted instructions.
  • Please be mindful when exploring the grounds. It's advisable to wear appropriate clothing and use insect repellent to avoid tick bites, and avoid touching any unfamiliar plants to prevent exposure to poison ivy.

  • We do not provide firewood for the fire pit.

QUIET HOURS

10pm - 8am

PET/SERVICE ANIMAL RULES

Please inform us if you are planning on bringing your pet and provide their age and breed since not all types and/or breeds are allowed. Ensure the pets are included in your reservation details so proper pet fees are assessed on your booking.

Please follow the rules below:

  • Please keep the pet off of furniture and bedding.
  • Clean up accidents swiftly. If there is an accident that you're not able to clean yourself, please let us know as soon as possible.
  • Guests are responsible for any damage caused by their pet. The pet fee is designated for the additional cleaning service and will not be applied to the cost of any damages caused by the pet.
  • The pet must be crated if left without supervision.
  • Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier when outside of the home.
  • We do not know all of the plants that grow on the property. Please be mindful of how your pet interacts with the wildlife in the area.
  • Please pick up after your pet outside.

WILD ANIMALS

Please be aware that our property is located in a natural setting and may be visited by wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and occasionally black bears. While these animals are generally harmless and mostly active at night, it is important to use caution and be mindful of your surroundings while on the property.

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:

  • Keep a safe distance from any wild animals you encounter. Do not approach or try to feed them.
  • Keep all food and trash securely stored to prevent attracting animals.
  • If you see an animal acting aggressively or exhibiting unusual behavior, notify us immediately.
  • Use caution when hiking or exploring the property, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

FIRE PIT

SAFETY RULES:

  • Only use approved fire pit fuels like dry wood and fire logs. DO NOT use accelerants like gasoline.
  • Have a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher readily available to quickly control the fire if needed.
  • Never leave the fire unattended, especially if there are children or pets present.
  • Keep the fire at a manageable size. A smaller fire is easier to control and produces less smoke.
  • Don't overload the fire pit with excessive wood or other materials.
  • Check wind direction before lighting the fire to prevent smoke and sparks from causing issues. Avoid burning a fire in windy conditions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STARTING A FIRE:

  • Use dry, seasoned wood. Arrange the wood in a teepee or log cabin structure for better airflow.
  • Place fire starters or crumpled paper at the center of the wood pile to help ignite the fire.
  • Use long-reach lighters or matches to ignite the fire starters. Avoid using liquid accelerants.
  • Once the fire is established, add small amounts of wood gradually to maintain a steady burn.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE:

  • Let the wood burn down to ash. Avoid leaving large, burning logs unattended.
  • Pour water over the embers, stirring with a long-handled tool to ensure all embers are cooled.
  • Before leaving, feel for any remaining heat. If it's still warm, continue adding water and stirring.

Starting a fire in a fire pit - Video

PROPANE GRILL

SAFETY RULES:

  • The grill is designed to use propane fuel only. Charcoal, wood, or other alternative fuels are not permitted.
  • Do not move the grill to a different location. 
  • Wear appropriate clothing when operating the barbecue, avoiding loose or flowing garments that could catch fire.
  • Be mindful of wind conditions. If it's too windy, consider postponing barbecue use to prevent flare-ups or accidental ignition of surrounding materials.
  • Ensure that you are aware of the location of the nearest fire extinguisher.
  • Avoid overcrowding the barbecue area. Ensure there is enough space for safe movement and operation.
  • Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the barbecue while in use. Establish a designated play area away from the cooking area.
  • Keep flammable materials, such as paper towels, away from the barbecue while in use.
  • Stay attentive to the barbecue while cooking. Adjust the heat as needed and be cautious of flare-ups.
  • In the event of a flare-up, keep the lid closed to starve the flames of oxygen. If necessary, use a fire extinguisher.
  • In the event of a gas odor, immediately turn off the grill burners, close the propane tank valve, and vacate the area until maintenance personnel can inspect and ensure operation can be resumed.

USAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

  •  Follow the lighting instructions on the grill. Turn on the propane tank, open the burner control, and use the igniter button or a long-reach lighter to start the barbecue.
  • Preheat the barbecue to the desired temperature before cooking.
  • Stay attentive to the barbecue while cooking. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent overcooking or burning the food.

CLEAN-UP DIRECTIONS:

  • Turn off the burner controls and the grill to cool for at least 15 minutes
  • Brush the cooking grates to remove any residue. For stubborn grime and leftover food particles use a grill brush or scraper.
  • Empty the grease tray into a suitable container. Wipe it clean to prevent buildup.
  • Close the propane tank valve tightly after each use.
  • Wait for the grill to cool down before placing the cover back on.

GAS FIREPLACE

OPERATING THE FIREPLACE:

  • Use the remote to turn the fireplace ON or OFF.
  • The fire should start within a few seconds.
  • If 30 seconds or more have passed and the fireplace hasn't started, turn it back OFF and do not attempt to start it again as the pilot might have gone out or there might be some other maintenance issue.
  • Report the issue to the property management team so they can arrange service right away.

POND

  • For the safety of our guests and to preserve the natural habitat of the pond, entering the water or swimming is strictly prohibited.
  • All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times when near the pond. Please ensure they understand and adhere to the no swimming or entering rule.
  • Enjoy observing the pond's wildlife from a distance. Do not disturb the animals or plant life around the pond. Feeding wildlife is prohibited to prevent harm to both animals and guests.
  • To avoid injury, glass containers are not allowed near the pond. Please use plastic or metal containers instead.
  • Please keep noise to a minimum to preserve the natural tranquility of the pond environment.
  • Help us keep the pond area clean and enjoyable for everyone and do not leave any trash.
  • Please consume alcohol responsibly. Intoxicated behavior can be dangerous, especially near water bodies.
  • Avoid the pond area after dark due to reduced visibility and potential hazards.
  • Please report any safety hazards or concerns.

CONVENIENCE FEES

We like to be as accommodating as possible and some fees could be waived in certain special circumstances.

  • Early Check-in Fee (before 4:00 PM): $100
  • Late Check-out Fee (after 11:00 AM): $100
  • Dishwashing fee (only if dirty pots, pens, and large number of dishes are left in the sink): $100
  • Grill cleaning fee (only if not cleaned after use): $50

TRASH

The garbage bins are located at the exit end of the circular driveway

  • Pickup is on Wednesdays
  • Please make sure to dispose of the garbage bags by placing them inside the designated bins. If the bins happen to be at full capacity, please keep the garbage indoors to prevent any potential attraction of wild animals.

CHECK-OUT INSTRUCTIONS

CHECK-OUT TIME IS 11 AM

Please follow the check-out instructions:

  • Load and run the dishwasher.
  • Take the garbage out and place it inside the designated bins. If the bins happen to be at full capacity, please keep the garbage indoors to prevent any potential attraction of wild animals.
  • No need to strip beds or start laundry.
  • Don't forget to check all closets and drawers for any personal items.
  • Set heat to 60° in the winter months and AC off in the summer.
  • Turn off all lights.
  • Close and lock all doors and windows.

Thank you and have a safe trip home!

COMMUNICATION

We encourage guests to communicate through the messaging platform where the reservation was booked. Our team monitors messages regularly from 8 AM to 8 PM, and periodically outside of these hours to ensure timely responses. While chat on the platform is preferred and more frequently monitored, you can also reach our messaging support at 845-518-2750.